Older People as Digital Newcomers: From Evidence to Intervention Proposal

Abstract

The aims of this mixed-method study were to analyze: older adults’ computer proficiency in relation to intelligence, personality traits and attitudes towards computers (Study 1); intention to use online services in relation to attitudes towards computers (Study 2); enabling factors of using digital devices (Study 3). The goal of the overall study was to propose the intervention that would support older people as digital newcomers. The main findings were that: attitude towards computer was the strongest predictor of older adults’ computer proficiency (Study 1); perceived ease of use proved to be a significant predictor of intention to use electronic services (Study 2), and most important finding from the qualitative research was that family and friends, especially peers, were older adults’ most preferred source of support in acquiring new IT skills (Study 3). On the long run, advocating for involving older people in designing digital tools should be imperative. It is important to develop a self-sustainable program that would, at first, fully engage all the relevant stakeholders: municipality and social care officials, Red Cross professionals and volunteers, social clubs and spaces for seniors, IT and user experience experts, psychologists, producers and retailers of devices, family and friends. Brief focused train the trainer program based on the needs of older people would be the core of the intervention. Sustainability wise, based on identifying and supporting the most skilled ones, older people should be empowered to run the program themselves with stakeholders’ occasional support.